Thriftcrafting: Witching on a budget

Dressing up

Merry Meet.

In last month’s column, I talked about how you don’t need props, tools or symbols to practice the Craft – that you needed only yourself.

This month, I’m going to begin talking about various ways of acquiring some of those props, tools and symbols that you don’t need, but might enjoy – all on a budget.

Ritual wear, for one.

One of the things that gets me out of the mundane world and ready for entering sacred space is my “witch costume.” On dark moons and Samhain, that tends to be a long black skirt and a black top. For full moons and festivals, I tend go with something more colorful.

Because these clothes are only worn for ritual, and not for work or play, taking them out of the closet and putting them on signals something different is about to happen. It helps me shift gears and focus. Part of my purification process is to shed the outer world by shedding my everyday clothes. The items I reserve for ritual – if I am not choosing to worship skyclad – are garments I like very much and because I like them very much, they make me feel special. When I feel special, it is easier to know that I am Goddess or the Goddess resides in me.

Over 10 years, I have collected a variety of ritual wear. Some pieces have come and gone. I paid full price for only one – a sleeveless rayon dress I got at Artemisia Botanicals the first time I went to Salem. All the rest were found at thrift stores, consignment shops and tag sales – along with the occasional gift.

OK, so what you find at Goodwill, Savers, a church rummage sale or the flea market are not what you see sold in The Pyramid Collection catalog or on the Holy Clothing website, but that doesn’t mean they’re not beautiful and special and appropriate for sacred space.

Three of my best finds were surprises that just about jumped into my arms.

The first was a floor-length purple velvet hooded cape. It had been hanging on a rack at the consignment shop for more than six weeks and so had been marked down to something like $14. The next great find was the cotton wrap dress in the photo. It was new with tags. Someone had tried it on and left it hanging outside the fitting room at the Goodwill. It was about $10. A green wool cloak for about $12 off season was another wonderful find.

A half dozen skirts, black velvet pieces, wraps, a dress with sunflowers on it and a purple tiered skirt that happened to match perfectly a top from a different maker in a different fabric have all become ritual wear.

In addition, colorful sarongs, large scarves and a two-yard piece of fabric – all from tag sales, thrift stores or, in the case of fabric, purchased on sale or with a discount coupon – get worn. Many also double as altar cloths.

Some garments have found their way to me with no expense.

I once gave a long jacket I may have worn twice to a friend I

knew loved it and would wear it more often. She gifted me a wrap cotton skirt with circles all over it that I wear much more than I ever did the jacket. And my sister recently gave me a beautiful large vintage purple fringed shawl she had worn in high school that just happens to matches that purple skirt and top I mentioned.

While some people might be concerned about unwanted energy from used items, I consider reusing or repurposing something already made rather than contributing to consumerism an offering to Earth Mother. I feel comfortable washing it and, if possible, hanging it sunlight or moonlight, as I’m moved. And along the way, I began to consecrate the clothing, much as I would a tool.

If you would rather wear jeans, you might consider a pair worn only for ritual. Perhaps you’d like to adorn them with magical symbols using embroidery thread, patches, fabric paint or a Sharpie. Some traditions call for kilts or hooded robes. You could begin your own tradition of putting on a special shawl or scarf.

A friend who sews is drawn to capes, and has made several for various seasons and celebrations. The energy and intent put forth while buying the material, cutting it out and sewing it adds something to each piece. I treasure the full-length cape she made me using a spider web material to honor a totem animal that has been with me for a decade now.

I know of a woman who dons a braided belt as her ritual wear. Another pins on a piece of jewelry. Wrapping yourself in a special blanket or slipping on a long sweater vest would also serve the same purpose. Mostly it should be comfortable and pleasing.

Thank you for reading.

Now it’s your turn to tell us about your ritual wear.

Merry part.

And merry meet again.